Corrections Professionals

During this reporting period, New Jersey Department of Corrections received the final approval from the Treasury for a data collection vendor. The vendor provided a Scope of Work (SOW) and conversations can occur about adding data management to the existing investigation system. Development and implementation are expected to move quickly, since the database was already established. Work on the video is pending information from the production company. Information needed includes availability (days/hours) to accommodate them at the facility and writing the script.

During this reporting period, the Vermont Department of Corrections managed to meet with the coaches on a monthly basis. At the beginning of this period, the Vermont Department of Corrections (VT DOC) grant team wrapped up their regional PCM training, which took place September 30th to October 2nd. The first portion of the training was presented to the PCMs exclusively, and the site asked superintendents and leadership to join the second portion to receive the information alongside PCMs and to share their input and experiences.

OPSO's grant technically expired on 3/31/24. During this reporting period, the coach communicated with Ania Dobrzanska at BJA to check on whether OPSO had submitted their delinquent reports and request for a no-cost extension. During the December site-based team meeting, Ania informed the coach that OPSO still hadn't submitted any of their outstanding reports or the request for a no-cost extension.

During this reporting period, Henderson County closed out their grant. By the end of the grant, HCDC's PC and TMG's coach developed a plan to accomplish the grant goals. The plan included working with the Jailer and finance department to understand the benefits of using grant funds to improve sexual safety. HCDC's PC learned about the requirements of the PREA Standards through PREA Resource Center (PRC) trainings and webinars, reviewing information and available resources on the PRC website, participating in coaching calls, and completing a PREA investigator's training.

During this reporting period, the camera project at South Mississippi Correctional Institution is approximately 50% complete. Cameras will be added to holding cells. This is an addition to the original project and will require an additional purchase of cameras and a network video recorder (NVR). Cameras were installed at South Mississippi (SMCI). The DVR installation is pending delivery. Wires installation was complete for the infirmary cameras. Data continues to be sent manually to the PC.

During this reporting period, Colorado Department of Corrections closed out their grant. By the end of the grant, CDOC purchased and installed additional cameras and multiplexers to improve video storage capacity and enhance monitoring of staff and incarcerated persons. This upgrade supported timely investigations by retaining footage for a longer period. CODOC acknowledged there was a gap in acquiring video footage as part of a PREA investigation. By upgrading the camera and recording system, CODOC was able to complete more thorough investigations using video footage.

During this reporting period, the camera system platform was identified, purchased and delivered. Agency and facility staff were trained in the utilization of the new system. The grantee developed a PREA peer education curriculum and all of the materials needed for the peer education program. It cannot be implemented until a PREA Specialist is hired. The agency is in the purchasing phase for the camera system platform. The job description for the PREA Accountability position was completed and was posted.

During this reporting period, the camera system platform was identified, purchased and delivered. Agency and facility staff were trained in the utilization of the new system. The grantee developed a PREA peer education curriculum and all of the materials needed for the peer education program. It cannot be implemented until a PREA Specialist is hired. The agency is in the purchasing phase for the camera system platform. The job description for the PREA Accountability position is complete and was posted.

During this reporting period, the Crime Victims Treatment Center developed and delivered the victim service provider training during this quarter. There were no other significant updates to the grant strategies.

During the reporting period, the team reviewed and discussed sections of their PREA audit interim report. Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling (RSAC) staff provided training to RSAC about their role in the community and the services provided under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The telephones in holding can call the assigned PREA reporting numbers. Hiring staff is a priority to address shortages in supervision. WCJDC direct supervision staff were approved for a pay raise and adjustments to the bachelor's degree requirement were made.